Verizon buys S.F. spectrum from MetroPCS, Sprint launches EV-DO modem and Qualcomm puts the brakes on EV-DV … 12 years ago this week.
Editor’s Note: RCR Wireless News goes all in for “Throwback Thursdays,” tapping into our archives to resuscitate the top headlines from the past. Fire up the time machine, put on the sepia-tinted shades, set the date for #TBT and enjoy the memories!
MetroPCS sells San Fran spectrum to Verizon, inks nationwide roaming deal
Regional wireless provider MetroPCS Inc. has reportedly agreed to sell 10 megahertz of spectrum in the San Francisco Basic Trading Area to Verizon Wireless for $230 million. The carriers also signed a nationwide roaming agreement that will allow MetroPCS to expand its regional offering, according to Raymond James & Associates. The deal is expected to be structured in a way as to reduce tax liabilities related to MetroPCS’ previously announced plans to acquire spectrum from Cingular Wireless L.L.C. covering Detroit and Dallas for $230 million. … Read More
Sprint jump-starts EV-DO efforts with Sierra Wireless card
Sprint jump-started its EV-DO network efforts with the release of an EV-DO-capable PC card from Sierra Wireless Inc. The card is also compatible with Sprint’s current CDMA 1xRTT network. The move is notable because Sprint does not currently offer EV-DO services. The carrier said it plans to provide EV-DO service in several major markets across the nation by mid-year with broader metropolitan-area coverage by the end of 2005. The new Sierra card will support EV-DO speeds of 300 to 500 kilobits per second and peak rates of up to 2.4 megabits per second. Currently the card will support speeds between 50 and 70 kbps, with peak speeds of up to 144 kbps, on Sprint’s 1x network. … Read More
Qualcomm puts EV-DV on hold
The wireless industry should not hold its breath for the coming of CDMA2000 EV-DV technology. Both Qualcomm Inc. and Texas Instruments Inc. said they are focusing their immediate attention elsewhere. “Due to the lack of CDMA industry demand for the 1x EV-DV technology solution and the increased operator interest in an accelerated 1x EV-DOrA commercialization schedule, Qualcomm has decided to prioritize its support towards 1x EV-DOrA chipset development,” wrote Qualcomm in a response to RCR Wireless News’ questions. EV-DOrA stands for EV-DO Revision A, which is the next generation of EV-DO technology. … Read More
Sprint PCS’ bundled voice plans top global list of ARPU drivers
Sprint PCS’ bundled voice plans topped Analysys Research’s list of the world’s top 10 wireless services based on its ability to produce unmatched levels of voice usage and twice the voice average revenue per user achieved by operators in Western Europe. Analysys Research said its independent listing takes into account offerings that exhibit high market potential, effective implementation and suitability for reproduction in other markets. … Read More
RF Micro exits WLAN chips, Infineon mulls wireless future
Two chipmakers are either selling or mulling selling part of their wireless businesses, while another company is selling its shares in a semiconductor firm. RF Micro Devices Inc. said it is doing away with its wireless local area network chip business in a move that will spell job cuts, office closings and the transfer of people and resources to other offices. Infineon Inc. said it plans to either sell or close its loss-making wireless chip business. Infineon also leaves open the option of turning around its wireless business, according to Wolfgang Ziebart, Infineon chief executive officer. The chipmaker is not only mulling the future of its chip business but also its optical networks division. … Read More
Lawmaker welcomes Sprint Nextel merger at House hearing
A key House lawmaker today said the proposed $36 billion merger between Sprint Corp. and Nextel Communications Inc. would bring added competition to a broadband market currently dominated by Bell telephone companies and cable TV giants. “The combination of Sprint and Nextel will create a broadband giant in the wireless industry that has no affiliation with the Bells. We should not be wary of the combined entities; we should welcome them,” said House Commerce Committee Chairman Joe Barton (R-Texas). Barton then repeated the statement for emphasis. Indeed, no lawmaker directly challenged the Sprint-Nextel deal at this morning’s hearing. … Read More
NextWave emerges from bankruptcy
NextWave Telecommunications Inc. Tuesday emerged from bankruptcy following approval of its plan by Bankruptcy Judge Adlai Hardin Jr. NextWave filed for bankruptcy June 8, 1998. “It has been a long and challenging road to get to this moment, which makes it all the more special. We are pleased that the years of effort have resulted in a plan that pays creditors in full and provides for significant distributions to equity holders. I am grateful to the constituents of the NextWave estates and to the bankruptcy court for their patience and tremendous support in helping us achieve these results,” said Allen Salmasi, NextWave’s chairman and chief executive officer. … Read More
Globalstar applies with regulators to add land-based service
Satellite service provider Globalstar L.L.C. said it filed an application today with the Federal Communications Commission for authority to offer ancillary terrestrial service in conjunction with its mobile satellite services. Globalstar is the second MSS operator to seek approval for ATC, which allows a portion of satellite frequencies to be used for land-based cellular communications. That capability enables mobile satellite operators to provide better coverage in urban areas, where buildings can block radio signals. … Read More
InPhonic to launch MVNO targeting Hispanic market
InPhonic Inc. said it plans to launch a Spanish version of its Liberty Wireless mobile virtual network operator prepaid wireless service exclusively targeting the Hispanic market in the United States. The company noted the Viva Liberty offering will be the first domestic MVNO to market and sell directly to Spanish-speaking consumers exclusively online. As part of the product offering, which is expected to use Sprint PCS’ network similar to Liberty Wireless, Viva Liberty will provide customers with the ability to call internationally through one-touch dialing. InPhonic also said that its current content partners, including Yahoo!, America Online and MSN, have developed online marketing programs to deliver content to the Hispanic community. … Read More
FCC approves NextWave’s sale to Verizon
The Federal Communications Commission Wednesday approved the sale of NextWave Telecom Inc.’s remaining PCS licenses to Verizon Wireless for $3 billion. NextWave now expects to emerge from bankruptcy protection next month, said Michael Wack, NextWave senior vice president and deputy general counsel. “Verizon Wireless’ acquisition of NextWave’s PCS licenses is a key component of our plan of reorganization, which was approved by the federal bankruptcy court that is administering the company’s Chapter 11 proceedings in the Southern District of New York. NextWave greatly appreciates the FCC granting the regulatory approval to the transaction so soon after the bankruptcy court’s order confirming our plan,” said Wack. … Read More
Check out RCR Wireless News’ Archives for more stories from the past.
